FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
If you join us for a VNO Retreat, you'll get to spend an epic week in nature surfing and relaxing in Costa Rica. We'll send you a welcome packet with all the details you need to know before you come, including a suggested packing list and waivers to sign.
HOW DO I GET THERE?
We’re on the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula. Air travel to Costa Rica is NOT included in your retreat package. The first and last days are considered travel days. Roundtrip airport transfers to and from Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) to our retreat location ARE included in your retreat package. Our shuttle bus will pick you up from Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) area the day of the Retreat at a specific time and take you to the retreat location. We will provide shuttle pick-up details a week before the retreat date.
DO I HAVE TO KNOW HOW TO SURF TO ATTEND VNOIRE RETREATS?
Not even. You can enjoy hanging out on the beach or trust our competent and compassionate surf coaches who will support you in achieving the ultimate expression on the waves. We welcome all shapes, sizes and skill levels to experince the sensational feeling of dancing with the ocean.
IS THERE AN AGE REQUIREMENT TO ATTEND VNOIRE RETREATS?
We welcome all folks who are 21 years and over in age to attend.
WILL I HAVE TO SHARE A ROOM DURING VNOIRE RETREATS?
Yes. You will be paired with one other retreat attendee to share a beautiful, private cabana, spacious and complete with private patio or balcony and bathroom. At this time we are unable to offer single-person accommodations.
MY FRIEND AND I WOULD LIKE TO ATTEND VNOIRE RETREATS TOGETHER. CAN WE REQUEST TO SHARE THE SAME ROOM?
Absolutely! Additional information will be provided upon confirmation of your retreat booking. If you are interested in requesting a specific roommate for the retreat, please let us know prior to the retreat date.
WHAT IS THE RETREAT ITINERARY?
We typically do not publish the retreat itinerary on our website, it is for confirmed VNoire Retreat attendees.
I HAVE SPECIFIC DIETARY RESTRICTIONS. WOULD I STILL BE ABLE TO ATTEND VNOIRE RETREATS?
We offer locally sourced plant-based and pescatarian options for all meals, organic, where possible. If you have any other dietary restrictions or allergies, please reach out to us prior to completing your retreat booking.
WHAT TRAVEL DOCUMENTS DO I NEED FOR COSTA RICA?
You will need a valid passport to enter and exit Costa Rica. Your passport must have at least six months remaining before the expiration date to be valid. Costa Rica does not require a Visa from most countries. Check with the Costa Rican Embassy for more information on travel documentation, immunizations, and requirements. http://www.costarica-embassy.org/.
WHAT ARE THE TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS FOR COSTA RICA RIGHT NOW?
You will need to complete any required COVID-19 testing, vaccinations and documentation prior to arriving at the airport and boarding your flight for Costa Rica. Please refer to the US Embassy in Costa Rica page for detailed, updated requirements and all vaccine information regarding COVID-related travel to Costa Rica: https://cr.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/. Beginning April 1, 2022, the Health Pass and travel insurance policy requirements will be eliminated for all individuals. However, a travel insurance policy is recommended to cover medical expenses and lodging in the event of COVID-19 infection. See more details here: www.visitcostarica.com. Approved International health insurance coverage is required for some travelers. Please find more detailed information about approved international health insurance here: www.visitcostarica.com.
DO VNOIRE RETREATS REQUIRE GUESTS TO BE VACCINATED AGAINST COVID-19?
No. While we take every precaution and measure to ensure safety and compliance with Costa Rican protocols, we feel vaccination is a still a personal choice and is not required at this time for participation at VNoire Retreats. Costa Rica just announced a new vaccine mandate. Beginning December 1, 2021, Costa Rica will require proof of Covid-19 vaccination to enter many businesses including hotels, restaurants, and bars. This mandate pertains to all Costa Ricans and foreigners. Please find more information about the December 1, 2021 mandate here: https://ticotimes.net/2021/10/19/costa-rica-vaccine-mandate-what-we-know. We require all booked guests to complete our Covid-19 screening form prior to arrival to the retreat. This form will be in your welcome packet.
BOOKING TERMS AND CONDITIONS
CANCELLATION POLICY
Cancellation by VNoire Retreats
VNoire Retreats reserves the right to cancel any retreat if it is not meeting the trip mimimun of participants and will offer a full refund to booked participants.
In the event that it is deemed necessary to cancel or reschedule a retreat due to Covid-19 protocols, VNoire Retreats will reschedule for alternate dates when travel is possible and will offer the following cancellation policy:
-Full refund of all paid funds
-An option to apply paid VNoire retreat funds to a future retreat with new retreat dates offered.
In the event that a retreat is cancelled or rescheduled due to natural disasters, fire, national emergencies, political instability, terrorism, civil or military authority, war, pandemic, mechanical or power supply breakdown, acts of God, or any other external events outside of VNoire Retreats’ reasonable control, that make it no longer viable to safely operate the planned retreat. VNoire Retreats will strive to make a “travel” or “no travel” decision as soon as possible, prior to the scheduled retreat dates. If it is determined necessary by VNoire Retreats to cancel this retreat, all paid and confirmed retreat attendees will be notified immediately. In this event, VNoire Retreats offers the following cancellation policy:
-A partial refund amount of paid remaining retreat balance, less any unrecoverable incurred expenses
-An option to apply paid VNoire retreat funds to a future retreat with new retreat dates offered
CANCELLATION POLICY
Cancellation by Retreat Participant
All deposits are non-refundable. In the event that cancellation is made by the participant, due to personal circumstances and for any reason(s), including contracting Covid-19, the participant is eligible for a refund of 50% of the paid retreat balance if cancelled 45 days prior to our retreat start date. The retreat deposit is non-refundable under any circumstances due to participant cancellation. VNoire Retreats does not offer discounts or partial refunds for unforeseen circumstances including, but not limited to: flight cancellation, late arrival, early departure, or illness. VNoire Retreats is mindful that life happens, sometimes with unexpected changes. VNoire Retreats encourages all retreat attendees to purchase travel insurance that includes trip cancellation prior to your booking to protect your investment.
VNoire Retreats is not responsible for any incidental expenses as a result of your booking with us, to include but not limited to: airflight accommodations, travel visas, health vaccinations or tests, and travel insurance. Again, VNoire Retreats encourages all retreat attendees to purchase travel insurance that includes trip cancellation prior to your booking to protect your investment.
LIABILITY RELEASE FORMS
For your safety and ours, VNoire retreat participants will be required to complete, sign, and submit a liability release waiver and Covid-19 screening form before attending VNoire Retreats. Participants who do not provide the signed liability release waiver and screening forms prior to arrival will not be allowed to attend VNoire Retreats and forefeit all refund eligibility. The liability release waiver and Covid-19 screening form will be included in your welcome packet.